Virtualization of the Human Body: Deep-Fake Pornography - Its Ethical and Political Implications

Abstract

In June 2019, a programmer released an app that enabled users to digitally undress individuals in photographs. Shortly after its launch, the publication Vice reported that the programmer withdrew the application due to concerns about the potential negative consequences of its use. Nevertheless, within a few days, the app was downloaded by over 95,000 users. Deep Nude is among several applications that generate highly realistic imitations of a person’s voice or body. These technological advancements do not alter prevailing social norms of patriarchy, as demonstrated by Deep Nude’s initial focus on photos of women; the program would utilize neural networks to fabricate intimate body parts when presented with images of men. In the context of modern technology, women’s bodies have become commodified images that can be weaponized against them. Feminist activists argue that while politicians express concern over the censorship of misleading political information, the most vulnerable victims of deepfake technology remain women. We contend that the most effective approach to assessing the implications of this phenomenon is through a political economy lens, specifically examining the processes of producing, distributing, and consuming deepfake pornography. Additionally, it is crucial to recognize that the conception of cyberspace as a libertarian utopia contributes significantly to the challenges authorities encounter in their efforts to protect potential victims from this form of gendered violence.